ᐅ Is it advisable to have the foundation slab inspected by a building surveyor?
Created on: 5 Jan 2023 12:28
B
bavariandream
Hello everyone,
In mid-December, the foundation slab for our single-family house was poured. The civil engineering company is a family-run business from the region with an excellent reputation. The preparations went very smoothly (they even started with the earthworks before we had signed the contract), and we didn’t have to worry about anything (they also handled various inquiries with the local authorities since they already knew each other).
On the day the foundation slab was poured, unfortunately, we were all very sick (middle ear infection with a fever just under 40°C (104°F)) and couldn’t visit the site (just getting to the bathroom was already a struggle). I went there the next day for a quick look. The slab was completely covered, which we expected because there had been heavy snowfall at the time and nighttime temperatures dropped to -12°C (10°F). The civil engineering company regularly works under such conditions; at our previous landlord’s site, they poured the slab on Christmas Eve despite heavy snow.
So far, so good. However, when we visited the site about a week later (we don’t live locally), some parts of the protective foil were missing. We suspect that children playing may have removed it because the wind alone shouldn’t have been able to do that—the foil was very well secured.
Now we don’t know exactly when this happened, so we’re unsure if the slab was already frost-resistant at that time, and we’re wondering if this might have had any negative effects. Visually everything looks fine and, for example, I haven’t noticed any cracks. The slab will be inspected in spring by our construction manager, but I assume they will mainly check if all measurements are correct.
Therefore, I wanted to ask here if you would recommend having the slab inspected by an independent expert. I’ve heard that organizations like TÜV Süd offer such services. Or is that money wasted because they would basically just measure again and check for cracks (as I said, I couldn’t see any; everything looked fine to me, but I am a complete layperson)?
Thank you very much in advance for your help!
In mid-December, the foundation slab for our single-family house was poured. The civil engineering company is a family-run business from the region with an excellent reputation. The preparations went very smoothly (they even started with the earthworks before we had signed the contract), and we didn’t have to worry about anything (they also handled various inquiries with the local authorities since they already knew each other).
On the day the foundation slab was poured, unfortunately, we were all very sick (middle ear infection with a fever just under 40°C (104°F)) and couldn’t visit the site (just getting to the bathroom was already a struggle). I went there the next day for a quick look. The slab was completely covered, which we expected because there had been heavy snowfall at the time and nighttime temperatures dropped to -12°C (10°F). The civil engineering company regularly works under such conditions; at our previous landlord’s site, they poured the slab on Christmas Eve despite heavy snow.
So far, so good. However, when we visited the site about a week later (we don’t live locally), some parts of the protective foil were missing. We suspect that children playing may have removed it because the wind alone shouldn’t have been able to do that—the foil was very well secured.
Now we don’t know exactly when this happened, so we’re unsure if the slab was already frost-resistant at that time, and we’re wondering if this might have had any negative effects. Visually everything looks fine and, for example, I haven’t noticed any cracks. The slab will be inspected in spring by our construction manager, but I assume they will mainly check if all measurements are correct.
Therefore, I wanted to ask here if you would recommend having the slab inspected by an independent expert. I’ve heard that organizations like TÜV Süd offer such services. Or is that money wasted because they would basically just measure again and check for cracks (as I said, I couldn’t see any; everything looked fine to me, but I am a complete layperson)?
Thank you very much in advance for your help!
W
WilderSueden27 Mar 2023 08:28Be sure to include the furniture in the planning; currently, some power outlets are located behind furniture in our case. When it comes to switch panels, discuss which switch should be on top and which one on the bottom, and document this. For the kitchen, you should already have the installation plan from the kitchen fitter.
M
Marvinius27 Mar 2023 22:33Bauherrin123 schrieb:
Hello, we have to finalize the electrical planning on Tuesday and decide where the outlets should go. What mistakes have you made in your electrical planning? One tip I have is that since a TV will be installed, the outlet should be placed inside the wall so the TV can be mounted and have power directly behind it, avoiding the need to run a cable from the outlet... The TV is also fine with a cable conduit inside the wall. It doesn’t just need power, but possibly HDMI, LAN, and audio cables as well...
B
Bauherrin12321 Apr 2023 15:23Hello, a quick update: our roof is now covered. Next, we move on to the plumbing and electrical work. I don’t want the bathroom layout as the architect has drawn it. According to the site manager, I still have flexibility in designing the bathroom. So far, only the shell of the building is complete.
Can anyone give me ideas? The bathroom should include a shower (120cm by 100cm (47 inches by 39 inches)), bathtub, washbasin, and toilet— all four elements need to fit into the bathroom.
Can anyone give me ideas? The bathroom should include a shower (120cm by 100cm (47 inches by 39 inches)), bathtub, washbasin, and toilet— all four elements need to fit into the bathroom.
Well, that looks quite rushed, and it's surprising that the bathroom design is still not finalized at this stage.
What don’t you like about it? And what exactly are you envisioning? A glass-enclosed shower or a tiled one? Bathtub size, number of washbasins, width, etc.
Also, are you sure the toilet drain pipe can still be routed anywhere?
What don’t you like about it? And what exactly are you envisioning? A glass-enclosed shower or a tiled one? Bathtub size, number of washbasins, width, etc.
Also, are you sure the toilet drain pipe can still be routed anywhere?
B
Bauherrin12321 Apr 2023 17:05kbt09 schrieb:
Well, that was done hastily, and it’s surprising that the bathroom layout isn’t finalized at this stage.
What don’t you like about it? And what do you have in mind? Glass-enclosed shower or built-in? Bathtub size, number of sinks, width, etc.
Also, are you sure the toilet drain pipe can be placed anywhere? Yes, you’re right! I always thought the bathroom would be planned when the time comes – so now. I also find it very frustrating that no one ever told me this. Now that I’m supposed to finalize the bathroom fixtures, I’m being told that the drain pipe in the corner, as shown on the plans, is already fixed… but apparently it can be moved, I’m not entirely sure.
I’m supposed to come up with a bathroom plan as I want it, so I wanted to hear how you would design the space.
Glass shower, 120cm by 100cm (47 inches by 39 inches)
One sink, 80cm (31.5 inches) wide
Standard bathtub size, nothing special needed
Regular toilet
I don’t like that the sink isn’t immediately next to the door when you enter. That should be fine. Having the three elements (shower, sink, and toilet) in one row feels too cramped and not very attractive. The annoying thing is, since it’s the wall shared with the neighbor, there are so many pre-wall installations – those bother me.
But I wanted you to design the bathroom freely according to your ideas – more ideas come naturally that way… rather than me revealing mine in advance.
Similar topics